The 2019 Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 7030, Implementation of Legislative Recommendation of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, which comprehensively addresses school safety.  Section 15 of SB 7030 went into effect on July 1, 2019 and amended the Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA), which provides funding to assist district in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care.

SB7030 amended the MHAA, in part, to ensure that every Florida Public School student has access to mental health professionals at school for the 2023-2024 school year, this is achieved by training educators and other staff to identify and respond to mental health issues, and by referring children, youth and families who experience behavioral health issues to appropriate services.

Brevard Public Schools (BPS) will receive a mental health assistance allocation of $4,010,188.00 to expand school-based mental health care and access to mental health services for students.  One hundred percent (100%) of this allocation must be expended on the following three elements:

1. Expand school-based mental health care.

2. Train educators and other school staff in detecting and responding to mental health issures.

3.  Connect children, youth, and families with appropriate behavioral health services.

School districts have to submit applications to the Commissioner of Education  by August 1, 2023.  The application will be submitted as required and will be re-submitted with signatures of the Board and Superintendent following approval.

Approve submittal of the Board approved Mental Health Application to the Florida Commissioner of Education.